Six 2020 Cleveland Browns starters, not on the roster in 2021

Sheldon Richardson – Defensive Tackle

The biggest disappointment in 2021, the release of Sheldon Richardson. And while I get it from a cap perspective, he will be a big loss on the Browns defensive front.

The eight-year veteran was also brought in by Dorsey during the 2019 offseason and started all but one game for the Browns in two seasons and totaled 126 tackles in two years with 7.5 sacks.

After the injury to Vernon in both 2019 and 2020, Richardson became extremely valuable as he was effective at both defensive tackle and defensive end. Richardson was athletic enough to take some pressure off Garrett at times but is still more suited for the interior line.

At the end of the day you must look at rather you wanted Jadeveon Clowney or Richardson on the roster. If Clowney is healthy, the answer is easy. But if not, this could be one the team ends up kicking themselves for.

While there are some rumors Richardson could return, I think it is highly unlikely. Richardson is still playing at a high enough level to get paid, and there will likely be little reason for him to play for less.

This loss is also big because of the question marks at defensive tackle. With him and Ogunjobi gone, the Browns lost both defensive tackle starters from 2020.